Ancient Egyptian Calendar

Ancient Egyptian Calendar Ancient Egypt (Kemet)

Ancient Egypt (Kemet) used both a lunar and solar calendar.

The ancient Egyptians had both a lunar calendar, and a solar 365 day calendar, which was divided into three seasons of four months each. Each month consisted of 30 days (3 weeks of 10 days per week). Five additional 'Heriu-renpet' days were added at the end of the solar calendar for the birth of the Goddesses/Gods: Wesir/'Osiris', Heru-Wer/'Horus', Set/'Seth', Aset/'Isis' and Nebthet/'Nephthys'. An extra day would be added as needed to keep in sync with solar leap year.

The heliacal rise of Sirius just before dawn was an extremely important event for the Ancient Egyptians. The first visibility of the star Sirius on the morning sky, called heliacal rising, fell close to the Inundation of the Nile and was the beginning of the Ancient Egyptian solar year. 3,000 years ago the heliacal rising was in early July, currently it is around August 1st. I use August 1st to calculate the Kemet lunar/solar calendar.

Wep Renpet - The solar New Year Festival The Ancient Egyptian Solar New Year is one of the most sacred festivals in the calendar, as it is the single event in the year in which the energy of the Sun God and Stellar Goddess combined was ritually drawn into the sacred statues of the temples.

The first season of four months was Akhet (inundation), when the nile flooded;

The second season of four months was Peret (emergence), when crops were planted, cultivated, and maintained;

The third season of four months was Shomu (low-water) when crops were harvested.

Initially there were no names for the solar months they were known as

I Akhet; August 1 to August 30 II Akhet; August 31 to September 29 III Akhet; September 30 to October 29 IV Akhet; October 30 to November 28 I Peret; November 29 to December 28 II Peret; December 28 to January 27 III Peret; January 28 to February 26 IV Peret; February 27 to March 28 I Shomu; March 29 to April 27 II Shomu; April 28 to May 27 III Shomu; May 28 to June 26 IV Shomu. June 27 to July 26 'Heriu-renpet' July 27 to July 31 Celebrates the birth of the Goddesses/Gods: Wesir/'Osiris', Heru-Wer/'Horus', Set/'Seth', Aset/'Isis' and Nebthet/'Nephthys'.

Eventually names were developed for the seasonal months, the majority of which were derived from those used in the lunar calendar.

The new lunar month would start on the end of the old moon and a new day would start at sunset. The first new moon after the heliacal rising was the beginning of the lunar year. Each lunar month was named after an Ancient Egyptian Goddess, God, or major festival. An Intercalary (13th) Month was added as needed when there were 13 new moons in a solar year.

The New Moon Festival is Pesdjentiu. There is a light in honor of the Eye of Heru which is lost at this time, in preparation for tepy-abed or the opening of the first crescent. To celebrate there are live offerings from the plant and animal kingdoms. Tepy-Semdet is the Full Moon Festival. The last day of the Kemetic lunar month honours Ra, Heru, and Wesir.

1)The Ancient Egyptian (Kemet) first lunar month is Tekhy/Djehuty/Thoth. Sacred to Thoth/Tekhi/Tehuti, the ibis-headed (somtimes a full baboon) moon God of truth, writing, and figuring things.

This month is also Holy to Sekhmet (The destructive form of Hathor.) Isis is the Greek name for Hathor. Sekhmet and Hathor transformed into each other. On many ancient temple text they are refered to as one and the same Goddess. Ptah is the consort of Sekhmet and is depicted the same as Osiris, the consort of Isis. Mysteries of Osiris and the Feast of Lights of Isis are festivals celebrated during this lunar month.

Day one is the Feast of Thoth, Opet: The marriage of Ammon-Re to his wife Ammonet. The Birth of Aten is day three. On the 9th day is the Procession of Hathor and Ihy. This is a celebration of the Goddess Hathor/Hwt-Hrw and Her son Ihy. This is a festival of exuberance, joy and passion. Ihy is the personification of the ectasy and joy that emanates as the sound of the Sistrum, the sacred rattle of Egyptian ritual. He is a God of happiness, the zest for living and the ability to abandon oneself to the moment. This festival celebrates these qualities through sacred texts and dance. The Festival of Inebriation was celebrated from the 20th to the 24th day.

In Ancient Egypt the terms "drunkeness" and "inebriation" did not refer soley to intoxication through the use of substances. Rather inebriation was seen as a state of ecstasy that frequently bordered on trance in which communication with Gods was possible. As such, these states of intoxication were induced through ritual, with the help of chanting and music.

There is evidence that indicates that the major Festival of the month is the true "Festival of Intoxication." The possible mistaken belief that it honors Thoth not Hathor/Sekhmet stems from the fact that the feast falls in the month of Thoth. Strong evidence points to the myth recounting the destruction of mankind as the basis for this festival. According to this story, in order to end Hathor’s bloody rampage, Re tricked her into drinking beer laced with mandrake and red ocher. He flooded Egypt with this drugged beer. Hathor/Sekhmet, thinking it was blood, consumed so much of it that she became drunk and passed out, and she lost interest in destroying humanity. The yearly Innundation by the Nile, with its rich, red silt, is the earthly re-enactment of this flood of beer. This feast of intoxication is the ancient Egyptian's "October fest."

The first and third lunar months are the Egyptian Goddess Sekhmet's ritual times. Great feasting, drinking, and merry making take place during Her rituals. She is a Sun Goddess as well as the Goddess of destruction, rebirth, and healing. She is called the Lady of the place of the beginning of time. One who was before the Gods were. She holds an Ankh in one hand and a Lotus Wand in the other; She wears a red dress. Her Name is derived from the Egyptian word 'Sekhem', which means "power" or "might". The word sekhem' is literally inseparable from Sekhmet and Her worship.

Sekhmet's main cult center was located in Memphis (Men-nefer) and was part of the Divine Triad there, which was made up of Sekhmet, Ptah, and Nefertem. Sekhmet is the wife of Ptah, the 'Creator' Netjer of the Ancient Egyptians and their son is called Nefertem, who is also closely associated with healers and healing.

Sekhmet's action is always the right, or 'appropriate action'. When She destroys it is an appropriate destruction or vengeance. It is never chaotic or random. It is always what is needed at the time. She removes threats and punishes those who do wrong against Ma'at. The God Ptah is her consort and Nefertem is their son.

2)The Ancient Egyptian (Kemet) second lunar month is Menhet/pA-n-IpAt/Phaophi(Paopy). Sacred to Ptah/Menkhet, the sun God and universal architect God who commanded all the Gods into existence, patron of masons; consort of Sekhmet and father of Nefertem. What Ptah thought and spoke; Sekhmet brought into existence.

Isis is the Greek name for the Hathor the Goddess who is associated with the Goddess Sekhmet, and there are indications that Hathor and Sekhmet are one and the same Goddess.

Day one is the Holy day of Re. The great feast of all gods and goddesses is on day six. Procession of Bast and the birth of Nut is day ten.

3)The Ancient Egyptian (Kemet) third lunar month is Hwt-Hrw/Athyr(Hathys). Sacred to Hathor, the cow Goddess of joy, motherhood, love, and the Eye of Ra. Isis is the Greek name for Hathor the Goddess who is associated with the Goddess Sekhmet, and there are indications that Hathor and Sekhmet are one and the same Goddess.

Day one are the Feasts of Hathor and Re. Feast of the gods of the black mud of Egypt (Kemet) is day six. Day 7 is the monthly feast of Re. On day twelve: Osiris goes out of Abydos; Purification of the Gods' and Goddesses' hearts; Feast of Hapy, (Hapy is the Nile during inundation.) Offerings are given to the Nile on this day.

In the creation myth called the Memphite Theology the Goddess Sekhmet creates all other Goddesses and Gods and brings into existence everthing that her consort the God Ptah thinks or says.

Day one is the Feast of Re and Sekhmet. Feast for all gods is day two. Feast of Sekhmet-Bast-Re is day fifteen. The Mysteries of Isis and Osiris were celebrated through a series of elaborate rituals. These rituals depicted the Lamenting of Isis over the death of Osiris, the resurrection of Osiris through the power of Isis, and the impregnation of Isis by the resurrected Osiris.

Isis is the Greek name for Hathor the Goddess who is associated with the Goddess Sekhmet, and there are indications that Hathor and Sekhmet are one and the same Goddess. This may be the reason why The Mysteries of Isis and Osiris were celebrated this month.

5)The Ancient Egyptian (Kemet) fifth lunar month is Sf-Bdt/tA-aAbt/Tybi. Sacred to Khopry/Menu/Amsu, the winged beetle God that appears from the mud flats arising out of the Nile's inundation.

Day one is the Feast of Re, Feast of Bast, Feast of Shu, and The Heb-Sed (Jubilee) Festival. The Feast of Sekhmet Placing the Flame Before the Great Ones is on day seven. Day eighteen commemorates the going forth of the Netjeru of Abydos. The Navigation festival of the Distant Goddess Sekhmet (the Eye of Ra) from the southern lands starts on day 19 and is celebrated over several days. After the Winter Solstice the Sun (representing the Eye of Ra) is seen as turning and beginning its annual journey to the north. Sekhmet begins Her transformation back into the beautiful Goddess Hathor/Hwt-Hrw. On the 23rd day is the Festival of Goddess Neith - revered Mother of the Gods and personification of the ancinet waters from which creation arose.

6)The Ancient Egyptian (Kemet) sixth lunar month is Rekh Wer/(pA-n) mhr/Mechir(Menchir). Sacred to Rekeh/Heru-Wer the Great Fire God, He who is in the sky.

Day one is the Festival of Little Heat (left eye of Re.) and the Feast of Ptah lifting up Re with his hands. On day eight is the Feast of the Great Heat (Right eye of Re), the "Great Burning" or Djaret ("Ancient") festival, held in honor of Rekeh/Heru-Wer. There is also the Feast of Hathor. There is a Feast to Sekhmet on the last day.

Isis is the Greek name for Hathor the Goddess who is associated with the Goddess Sekhmet, and there are indications that Hathor and Sekhmet are one and the same Goddess.

7)The Ancient Egyptian (Kemetic) seventh lunar month is Rekh Neds/pA-n-Imn Htpw/Phamenoth(Famenoth). Sacred to Rekeh-Sheri/Rekeh-Netches/Heru-sa-Aset the Little Fire Goddess, She who is the Eye of Heru.

Day one is The Feast of Ra and the Eye of Ra. Amun's Festival of Ra Entering Nut (the Sky) is on Day 3. There is a Festival of Nut on day eighteen.

In honor of Rekeh-Sheri "The Lesser Burning" Festival is held this month. It honors the return of the light begun last month and culminating this month. There is a a light for Ra and His Eye, the protectress of the lands Who is returning and bringing Her joy back to us.

Day one is the Feast of Re. Day two is the Day of Chewing Onions for Bast and a Feast of Pakhet as Eye of Ra. On day 11 there is a celebration of the birth of Ihy, the son of Hathor/Hwt-Hrw and Horus the Elder/Heru-Ur, as the Lord of passion and joy.

Isis is the Greek name for Hathor the Goddess who is associated with the Goddess Sekhmet, and there are indications that Hathor and Sekhmet are one and the same Goddess.

9)The Kemet ninth lunar month (I Shomu) is Hnsw (PA-n-)/xnsw/Pachons. Sacred to Khonsu/Khensu the falcon headed moon God who is the decider of the life span, also the God of time, knowledge, healing, and giver of oracles. Day one is the Feast for Re, Horus, and Renemutet. Feast Of The Uadjet Eye is day seven.

10)The Kemet tenth lunar month (II Shomu) is Hnt-Htj/pA-n-Int/Payni. Sacred to Khenthy/Kentamenti/Khenti/Khenti-Amenti/Khenti-Amentiu/, the wolf/funerary God who embodied all deceased kings buried at Abydos and assimilated with Anibus and then Osiris. He is one of the husbands of the vulture-Goddess Nekhbet. Day one is the Feast for Re, Horus, and Bast. Feast Of The Uadjet Eye is day seven. During this month there was the Candle Feast of Hathor. A sacred flame was kept burning every day as part of the rituals dedicated to Hathor/Hwt-Hrw.

Isis is the Greek name for Hathor, the Goddess who is associated with the Goddess Sekhmet, and there are indications that Hathor and Sekhmet are one and the same Goddess.

11)The Ancient Egyptian (Kemet) eleventh lunar month is Ipt Hmt/Ipip/Epiphi(Epipy). Sacred to the God Ipt/Apt-Taui, referenced in the Book of the Am-Tuat his hands and arms are concealed.

The Festivals to Hathor and Bast are held the first day and this is the Day of the great feast of the southern heavens for Re. Also on day one is the start of the Festival of the Beautiful Embrace. This festival is also known as the "Reunion of Hathor/Hwt-Hrw and Horus/Heru" as well as "She is Lead Back". Extending over a two week period, it is one of the most important festivals and celebrates the voyage of Hathor to visit Her lover Horus. The two lovers conceive their son Ihy during this festival. The Goddesses Hathor and Bast feast in their Houses Of Life on day two.

Isis is the Greek name for Hathor the Goddess who is associated with the Goddess Sekhmet, and there are indications that Hathor and Sekhmet are one and the same Goddess.

In some parts of ancient Egypt the somber rites of the presentation of the first sheaf of harvest wheat to the God Min took place at Summer Solstice.

12)The Kemet twelth lunar month (IV Shomu) is Wep-Renpet/mswt-Ra/Mesore. Sacred to Horus/Heru/AAkhuti, the falcon shaped sky God of order, justice,ruler of the day, east and the rising Sun with eyes of the moon and sun. Day one is the Festival for Re. Day two is Sacred to Ma'at. Feast of Raet and Feast of Hathor as Sirius is day three.

Isis is the Greek name for Hathor the Goddess who is associated with the Goddess Sekhmet, and there are indications that Hathor and Sekhmet are one and the same Goddess.

13)The Kemet thirteenth lunar Intercalary Month is Djehuty/Djehuty/Thoth(Thuthy). Sacred to Thoth/Tekhi/Tehuti, the ibis-headed moon God of truth, writing, and figuring things. Day one is the Feast of Thoth, Opet: The marriage of Ammon-Re to his wife Ammonet. The Birth of Aten is day three.

For more information on Kemet http://www.kemet.org/home.html

For more info on the calendar and festivals for each month http://www.per-ankh.org/ http://www.per-ankh.org/calendar/calendar.html